Dynamic Battery Thermal Management via Gradient-Based Threshold Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery thermal management systems for electric and hybrid vehicles rely on constant temperature thresholds for cooling and heating, which are independent of driving behavior, leading to inefficiencies such as overconsumption during gentle driving and overheating during harsh driving, affecting battery performance and service life.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts the temperature trigger threshold for cooling or heating based on the real temperature gradient of the battery relative to a target gradient, taking into account the state of charge and driving behavior, allowing for dynamic modification of the thermal management strategy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If constant temperature thresholds are used for cooling/heating regardless of driving behavior, then the thermal management system is simple to operate, but it leads to overconsumption during gentle driving and overheating during harsh driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the temperature thresholds dynamic rather than constant. The cooling threshold Tc and heating threshold Th are adjusted in real-time based on the driver's behavior pattern (gentle or harsh driving) detected through gradient comparison. This allows the system to adapt to varying driving conditions, preventing both overconsumption during gentle driving and overheating during harsh driving, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and thermal management reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the temperature gradient dT/dSOC and comparing it with reference gradients to identify driving patterns. This feedback mechanism informs the adjustment of temperature thresholds, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual driving conditions. The feedback ensures reliable thermal management by adapting thresholds to match the driver's behavior, while maintaining automated operation that preserves ease of use.
2Device complexity
If constant temperature thresholds are used for cooling/heating, then the system structure remains simple, but it causes overconsumption of energy during gentle driving and overheating during harsh driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamics by implementing variable temperature thresholds that adapt to driving conditions. During gentle driving, the cooling threshold Tc is raised to delay cooling activation, reducing unnecessary energy consumption. During harsh driving, the threshold is lowered to enable earlier cooling intervention. This dynamic adjustment optimizes energy usage without requiring complex additional hardware, maintaining relative system simplicity while addressing energy consumption issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temperature threshold parameters (Tc and Th) based on detected driving patterns. The thresholds are adjusted as percentage modifications to their base values, with the adjustment magnitude controlled by parameter alpha. This parameter-based approach allows flexible energy optimization through software control rather than hardware changes, reducing energy consumption during gentle driving while preventing overheating during harsh driving.
3Device complexity
If constant temperature thresholds are used, then the control logic is simple, but it reduces battery service life due to inappropriate thermal management under varying driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends battery service life by implementing dynamic temperature threshold adjustment based on driving behavior. During harsh driving, the system activates cooling at lower temperatures to prevent thermal stress and degradation. During gentle driving, the system delays cooling activation to avoid unnecessary thermal cycling. This dynamic approach protects the battery from inappropriate thermal management while keeping the control logic relatively simple through automated gradient-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors temperature gradients and adjusts thresholds to optimize battery protection. By comparing actual gradients with reference gradients, the system identifies driving patterns and adapts thresholds accordingly, ensuring appropriate thermal management for battery longevity. This feedback-driven approach extends service life without requiring complex control logic, as the adjustment rules are based on straightforward gradient comparisons and percentage modifications.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If temperature thresholds are adjusted based on driving behavior, then battery service life is extended, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting driving patterns through gradient comparison and autonomously adjusting temperature thresholds without requiring complex external control systems. The gradient calculation and pattern recognition are performed internally by the thermal management controller, and the threshold adjustments are applied automatically. This self-service capability extends battery service life through intelligent adaptation while minimizing system complexity by using existing sensors and processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages system complexity by implementing parameter changes through software rather than hardware modifications. The temperature thresholds are adjusted as percentage modifications to base values, controlled by a single parameter alpha that scales the adjustment magnitude. This parameter-based approach allows sophisticated adaptive behavior to be achieved through simple mathematical relationships, extending battery life without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing the temperature of a battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle includes recording a temperature value at which the cooling or heating of the battery is triggered. The method further includes, for two consecutive values in a predefined sequence of states of charge: a step of comparing a real gradient to a reference gradient of the battery temperature; and a step of modifying, depending on the comparison, the value of the trigger temperature, or the value of the power output by cooling or heating the battery; and also includes applying the modified trigger temperature or output power for the following two consecutive values of the state of charge of the battery in the predefined sequence.